Pegasys and Liver Heath

[Zeppelin11]

My ALT and Potassium have gone up since I have been on Pegasys. Is there anything I can do (or not do) to improve liver function? I have a pretty healthy diet and will avoid acetaminophen going forward. I work out, drink coffee, all the things. Full disclosure, I do enjoy a glass of wine from time to time so I don't think that has much effect on me. Would appreciate any tips.

[hunter5582]

Elevation in liver function tests can occur with the interferons. I experienced elevation in ALT and AST almost 3X Upper Limit of Normal. ALK was 2X ULN. It was not considered to be a reason to change treatment with Besremi as this is not uncommon. I decided to do two things.

1. Be kind to my liver. Cut down on alcohol and anything else that I know would aggravate the liver.

2. Consulted with my Integrative/Functional Medicine doc. She recommended a Milk Thistle extract supplement, which I am taking. I let the rest of my care team know.

My LFTs have since returned to Within Normal Limits. I still drink alcohol on occasion, but no daily nightcaps. Maintaining good hydrations, as always. Working to drop some more weight in a healthy fashion.

All the best.

[Zeppelin11 in reply to hunter5582]

This is very helpful! Thank you

[Manouche in reply to Zeppelin11]

Hi Zeppelin,

I also had temporarily above normal liver enzymes after a few months on interferon. The best is to totally avoid alcohol, even vitamin/herbal supplements, weight control is also important.

« A randomized trial from the University of North Carolina found that milk thistle (also known as the botanical compound silymarin) was no better than a placebo at improving liver function. Because patients often take silymarin as an alternative to conventional hepatitis C treatment, Dr. Michael Fried and colleagues investigated the supplement s efficacy on patients who had not responded to standard therapies. Within this group of 154 patients, who were assigned to either high doses of silymarin or a placebo, there was no significant difference in treatment outcomes that is, neither group derived any benefit ».

[Hopetohelp]

Did you know potassium can be high with our condition due to the behaviour of platelets in the laboratory? Not sure what yours is but mine sits about 5.3 and is considered fine. Hunter has mentioned on previous posts that there is a name for this. Touch wood I don’t have liver problems but I take my injection mid morning and drink loads of water that day and the next, in fact all week. Don’t know what time you take yours but I do wonder if taking it at night means you can’t flush out and replace the water enough therefore not helping the body to replenish as we can’t drink as much water if sleeping at night. Only a thought and no idea if it works. Hope you resolve the problem

[Wyebird in reply to Hopetohelp]

good tip to drink loads of water day of peg jab thanks

[Zeppelin11 in reply to Hopetohelp]

This makes a lot of sense and I will consider taking it mid-day.

[ritaandscooter1 in reply to Hopetohelp]

Thanks for commenting on the potassium. I too have a consistent 5.3 potassium reading and I have not been on any medication to control high platelets except 2 low dose aspirin a day. This points to the fact that it is not the medication taken but due to having high platelets. Kerry

[SoledadBarcelona]

Zeppelin no alcohol, a little coffee only, no red meat from mammals or a little, no diary, no gluten, the mean things. A strict diet helps us. After detox the liver. My doctor recommended me to Epsom salt one a week, dry brushing and something more but the most importan is the diet, at least for me. I also take Berberis and Chelidonium to detox the liver. I try all natural.

[Solyesh]

I was in the same boat - lowered my Peg dose and focused on: hydration; reduced (but not eliminated completely) alcohol; milk thistle; and time. My MPN specialist says it is "not unusual" (as opposed to common) to have your liver function somewhat impacted with the interferons - he says in many cases he has personally seen - the body seems to self regulate over time and the readings get back to near normal on their own. I did not want to take any chances not being able to continue on the Peg so did alter my habits as well. No Tylenol/acetaminophen and I went from a daily glass of red wine to a weekly..but truth be told my body on its own decided as much as I did to cut back on the wine - just don't feel good if I have more than that now...increased my water intake...

[Zeppelin11 in reply to Solyesh]

Same, I will have a glass of red on a Friday night but hardly drink at all. My body doesn't like it and my tolerance is non-exsistant. My life is too busy to feel crappy anyway. Water, water, water!

[Flynn2107]

My Dr said to reduce alcohol and drink plenty of water.